Music America exhibition opens and takes center stage at the LBJ Presidential Library

New exhibition features more than 100 iconic objects from America's music history

Exhibition dates: February 17 – August 11, 2024

The LBJ Presidential Library and the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music announce the debut of the exhibition Music America: Iconic Objects from America's Music History. 

Music runs through the veins of America. Since the nation's inception nearly two and half centuries ago, music has informed, interpreted, and inspired our national identity. Be it sacred or secular, urban or rural, folk or pop, classical or experimental, it all adds up to the soundtrack of our American story. 

Music America tells the complex story of American music through instruments, hand-written original lyrics, books, photographs, costumes, and other objects from major artists performing in all walks of American music in different decades and portrays the story of those artists who contributed to it. Visitors will be able to see artifacts from artists like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Buddy Holly, Carlos Santana, Chuck D, Ella Fitzgerald, Faith Hill, Frank Sinatra, Gloria Estefan, Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Cash, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Prince, Sam Cooke, Tupac, Whitney Houston, Woody Guthrie and more.

An interactive "Song Bar" takes visitors on a journey through an inspirational and educational experience where they can listen to performances from some of the artists highlighted in the exhibition, along with additional songs that demonstrate the depth, breadth and great productivity of American musicians. And if visitors don't hear a song they deem iconic, they can share their suggestions to the playlist. 

Music America is curated by the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music in association with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, New Orleans Jazz Museum, Hard Rock International and other institutions nationwide. 

About the LBJ Presidential Library
The LBJ Library is open daily from 9 am – 5 pm. Last visitor admitted at 4 pm.

About the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music